2004 SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR lock

122DRIVING TIPSAnti-lock brake system (ABS)*The ABS plays a major part in increasing
the active safety of the vehicle.
The big advantage when compared with a
conventional brake system is that even
during a full brake application on a slippery
road surface the best possible steerability
is retained for the road condition because
the wheels do not lock.
However, one must not expect the ABS
system to shorten the braking distance
under all conditions.
How the ABS system works
An automatic test procedure is carried out
once the car has reached a speed of about
20 km/h. A pump noise may be audible for
about 1 second during this check.
When the turning speed of a wheel reaches
a level which is too low for the vehicle speed
and it tends to lock, the brake pressure to
this wheel is reduced. The brake pressure
is controlled individually for each wheel.
This ensures that the braking action is even
and that driving stability is retained to the
maximum possible extent.This control process makes itself felt by
a pulsing movement of the brake pedal
and is accompanied by noises. This is done
deliberately as a warning to the driver that a
wheel or wheels are in the locking range. The
brake pedal should remain depressed to en-
able the ABS to offer ideal control within this
range - on no account pump the brake pedal!
Warning
The ABS system can also not over-
come the physical limits. This has to
be born in mind, particularly on slip-
pery or wet roads. When the ABS is
operating in the control range, your
speed should immediately be adap-
ter to road and traffic conditions.
The increased amount of safety avail-
able should not tempt you into tak-
ing risks.
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, this is
indicated by a warning lamp - see page 60. Warning
If a fault exists, only the normal brake
system is operational. You should
drive to a Škoda Dealer as soon as
possible. Adapt your speed and driv-
ing style to the changed circum-
stances as the extent of the damage
to the ABS system is not known.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)*Cars fitted with the anti-lock brake system
(ABS)* can be equipped in addition with an
electronic differential lock.
The EDL system makes it much easier or,
in deed, at all possible to move off, accel-
erate and drive uphill even on unfavourable
road surfaces.
The EDL operates automatically - in other
words without any action on the part of the
driver.
It monitors the speed of the driven wheels
using the sensors of the ABS system.
If the road surface is slippery on one side,
a difference in speed exists between the
driven wheels. It is then necessary to pro-
duce more throttle, for example, when mov-
ing off on a hill, on a slippery road surface
etc. The EDL function compensates for the
difference in speed by braking the wheel
which is slipping and transmits the power
through the differential to the other driven
wheel.
This control process makes itself notice-
able by characteristic noises.

125
DRIVING TIPS
Technical requirements

If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted
towing bracket, all that is technically and
legally necessary for towing a trailer has
already been taken into account.

If the trailer to be towed has a 7-pin con-
nector, you can obtain an adapter cable
from Škoda Dealers.

Škoda Dealers are acquainted with the
details of retrofitting a towing bracket and
modifying the cooling system. You should
therefore have a towing bracket fitted by a
Škoda Dealer. Operating instructions


The permissible trailer weights must on
no account be exceeded.

The trailer weights stated are only ap-
plicable for altitudes up to 1000 m above
mean sea level (MSL). As the engine out-
put and thus the climbing ability drops due
to the decreasing air density, the weight of
vehicle and trailer must also be reduced by
10 % for each further 1000 m or part the-
reof.
Take this fact into account when driving at
high altitudes.

You should make full use of the maxi-
mum permissible drawbar weight indicated
on the ball head of the towing bracket, but
do not exceed it.

The load carried in the trailer should be
distributed so that any heavy objects are
placed as close as possible to the axle,
taking into account the permissible trailer
weight and drawbar load. The objects
should also be secured to prevent them
slipping.

Select the tyre pressure of the car for full
loads and also check the pressure of the
trailer tyres.

The headlight beam control of the car
should be set to match the particular load
conditions.

The handbrake of the car should be ap-
plied when hitching up and unhitching the
trailer.
Inspect the ball head to ensure that
it is properly locked each time before
setting off.
The inspection is performed by turn-
ing the closed locking lever down-
wards.
If the locking lever can only be turned
approx. 5°, the locking mechanism is
OK.
After the inspection pull the locking
lever back again to its stop.
The towing device must not be used,
if it does not wish to close or the
locking lever turns slightly in the clo-
sed position.

126DRIVING TIPSDriving instructions
To obtain the best possible handling of ve-
hicle and trailer, please note the following
points:

Try to avoid driving with an unladen ve-
hicle and a loaded trailer. If this cannot be
avoided, only drive slowly to allow for the
unfavourable weight distribution.

As the driving stability of vehicle and trai-
ler decreases when the speed increases,
do not drive at the maximum permissible
top speed in unfavourable road, weather or
wind conditions - particularly when going
downhill.
You should in any case immediately reduce
your speed as soon as you detect even the
slightest swaying of the trailer. On no ac-
count attempt to eliminate the swaying by
accelerating!

For safety reasons, you should not drive
faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). This also
applies in countries where higher speeds
are permitted.

Apply the brakes in good time! If the
trailer is fitted with an overrun brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then increase the
pressure. This avoids any braking shocks
caused by the wheels of the trailer block-
ing. Shift down gears in good time before
driving downhill so that the engine can act
as a brake.

If it is necessary to drive a long uphill
section in a low gear with a very high en-
gine speed and at unusually high ambient
temperatures, keep a check on the cool-
ant gauge. If the needle of the gauge moves
into the upper range of the scale, reduce
the speed of your car immediately. If the
temperature and brake fluid level warning
light flash, however, stop and allow engine
to cool down by letting it idle for a few min-
utes. Pay attention to the further informa-
tion on p. 46.

The coolant temperature can be reduced
by switching on the heater.

The cooling effect of the radiator fan
cannot be increased by changing down,
because the speed of the fan is not depend-
ent on the engine speed. You should there-
fore not change down even when towing a
trailer as long as the engine can cope with-
out the vehicle speed dropping too much.
General notes

It is advisable to have the vehicle ser-
viced between the inspection intervals
if it is used frequently for towing a trailer.

The trailer and drawbar load figures on
the data plate of the towing bracket are for
test certification only. The correct figures for
the vehicle, which may be lower than the
above figures, are given in the vehicle do-
cuments.

127
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Filling the tankThe fuel filler neck is inserted into the rear
right body panel.
The fuel tank holds about 55 litres
(4x4* - 63 litres).
Notes
The fuel filler flap can be opened from the
driver’s seat* - see page 65.
On this version the fuel cap cannot be
locked separately.
A sticker with data is affixed to the fuel filler
flap - see page 181.When refuelling, the filler cap can be in-
serted at the flap.
After refuelling, fit on the filler cap tight until
it is heard to click. After this, close the filler
flap.
If your car is not fitted with a remote re-
lease for the fuel filler flap at the driv-
er’s seat*, the following instructions
apply:
Use the car key to unlock the filler cap of
the fuel filler neck by turning it to the left
and unscrew it.
When refuelling, the filler cap can be in-
serted at the flap.
After refuelling, screw the filler cap tight until
it is heard to click. Lock the filler cap by
turning the key of the car to the right, with-
draw the key and close the fuel filler flap.
As soon as the petrol pump at the
filling station switches off automati-
cally for the first time after being prop- erly used, the fuel tank is „full“. Do notfill in any more petrol otherwise the ex-pansion chamber in the tank will be filled
and fuel might flow out when it warms up.
Note
Never run the fuel tank completely empty
on models fitted with a catalytic con-
verter. The irregular fuel supply may re-
sult in misfiring and uncombusted fuel
may get into the exhaust system. This
can cause overheating and damage to
the catalytic converter.
Warning
Observe any statutory regulations
when carrying a reserve canister of
fuel. For safety reasons, it is recom-
mended that you do not carry a re-
serve canister in the car. In the event
of an accident, the canister could be
damaged and fuel spillage could oc-
cur.

131
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Notes

The car should not be standing in bright
sunshine when it is washed.

If a hose is used to spray down the car,
do not aim the jet of water directly at the
door locks and body panel gaps - otherwise
they may freeze up in winter.Washing the car with high-pressure
cleaners
It is essential to follow the instructions
for using high-pressure cleaners - particu-
larly as regards the pressure and spraying
distance.

Do not use round spray nozzles or so-
called „dirt shifters“!

The temperature of the water should not
be more than 60 °C.
WarningTyres must never be cleaned with
round jet nozzles. Damage may occur
even if only sprayed for a short time
or from a relatively large distance.WaxingGood wax treatment protects the paintwork
of your car from the environmental influ-
ences listed on the previous page under
„Washing the car“ and also from slight me-
chanical damage. The vehicle must be treated with a high-
quality hard wax polish at the latest, when
no more drops form on the clean paintwork.
Do not apply a new film of wax protection
until the body surface is dry. Even if a wax
preserver is used regularly, it is recom-
mended to protect the paintwork at least
twice a year with hard wax.
Warning
Never treat the windscreen or win-
dows with wax.
PolishingPolishing is only necessary if the paintwork
has become unattractive and it is no longer
possible to achieve a gloss with a wax pre-
server. If the polish used does not contain
any preserving elements, the paintwork
should then be treated with wax preserver.
Note
Mat painted parts and plastic parts must
not be treated with polish or hard wax.
We recommend using the products from
the Škoda range.
Do not polish the paintwork of the vehicle
in a dusty environment, otherwise the
paintwork can be scratched.
Paint damageMinor paint damage such as scratches,
rubs or stone chips, should be treated im-
mediately with paint (Škoda touch-up pen
or spray can) before rust can form.
This repair work can also of course be car-
ried out by a Škoda Dealer. The colour
code is stated on the car data sticker, see
page 181.WindowsUse only a plastic scraper to remove snow
and ice from windows and mirrors. The
scraper should not be moved back and for-
ward, but only pushed in one direction in
order to avoid scratches caused by dirt.
Residues of rubber, oil, grease, wax or sili-
cone sealant can be removed with a wind-
screen cleaner or special silicone remover.
The windows should also be cleaned at
regular intervals from the inside.
Do not use the same chamois leather for
drying the windows and for the paintwork
because residues of wax preservers will
cause smears on the surface of the win-
dows.
Never remove snow or ice from the win-
dows with warm or hot water - risk of
formation of cracks in the glass!

135
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
BonnetTo unlock the bonnet, pull lever below the
instrument panel on the driver’s side.
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result
of the spring pressure.
Note
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the
windscreen wiper arms are not folded for-
ward otherwise the paintwork may be dam-
aged. Warning
For safety reasons, the bonnet must
always be properly closed when ve-
hicle is moving. Always check there-
fore after closing the bonnet that the
lock is engaged.
Should you notice that the bonnet lock is
not properly engaged when driving, stop the
car immediately and close the bonnet.
To open
bonnet, grasp it at the bottom of
the radiator grille, raise slightly, push the
hook in direction of arrow and raise bon-
net.
Take bonnet prop out of its catch and in-
sert it into the opening provided - see illus-
tration (on right).
To close, raise bonnet slightly and release
bonnet prop. Press prop into the fixture at
the front-end panel. Allow bonnet to drop
into the lock from a height of about 20 - 30
cm - do not press on bonnet to close it!

137
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Warning
Particular care is required when per-
forming work in the engine compart-
ment!

Never open the bonnet if you see
that steam or coolant is escaping
from the engine compartment - risk
of scalding!
You must wait long enough, until the
steam or coolant has stopped escap-
ing.

Switch off engine and withdraw ig-
nition key.

Apply handbrake properly.

Move gearshift into Neutral (on
models with automatic gearbox mo-
ve selector lever into position „P“).

Allow engine to cool down.

If the engine is still warm:
- do not place your hand into the ra- diator fan, it might start suddenly.
- do not open filler cap of coolant reservoir as cooling system is
pressurized - risk of scalding.

Avoid short circuits in the electri-
cal system - particularly at the bat-
tery!

If you wish to work under the ve-
hicle, you must secure the vehicle
from rolling away and support it with
suitable supporting blocks: the car
jack is not sufficient for this - risk of
injury!

If it is necessary to carry out test
work when engine is running, there
is an additional risk from rotating
parts - e.g. ribbed belt, alternator,
radiator fan etc. - and from the high-
voltage ignition system.

Never touch the electrical cables
of the ignition system.

Absolutely avoid any jewellery,
loose items of clothing or long hair
from getting into the rotating parts of
the engine - Hazard! Therefore re-
move any jewellery beforehand, tie
up your hair and wear tight fitting
clothing.
It is essential to comply with all the
warning information given in this
manual and with the general rules of
safety when carrying out work on the
engine.
When topping up fluids, ensure that no mix-
ups occur otherwise this may cause severe
operating problems!
The floor below the car should be
inspected regularly in order to de-
tect leaks in good time. If patches of oil or other fluids are visible, the car shouldbe taken to a Škoda Dealer for an inspec-
tion.

157
GENERAL MAINTENANCE

If wheel trims are subsequently fit-
ted, it is essential to ensure that the
air flow remains adequate for cool-
ing the brakes.
Škoda Dealers are informed of the techni-
cal possibilities for converting and retrofit-
ting tyres, wheels and wheel trims.Winter tyres
1)
Warning
In winter conditions, winter tyres will
significantly improve the handling of
your car.

Only radial-type winter tyres may be fit-
ted.1)Pay attention to any varying legal requirements
when using winter tyres.
Snow chains
2)
It is possible to fit snow chains to all the
tyre sizes listed (with the exception of tyre
sizes 205/60 R15 and 205/55 R16).
5.5J x 16 ET 36 wheels (Genuine Access-
ories) when used in combination with 205/
55 R16 tyres enable snow chains to be fit-
ted to the Octavia RS including other vehi-
cle models Octavia and Octavia Estate.
The chains must only be fitted to the
front wheels.
Use only fine-link chains which do not ex-
ceed more than 15 mm (including chain
lock).
We recommend purchasing the snow chains
as Genuine Accessories from a Škoda Dea-
ler.
The full wheel trim should be removed when
driving with snow chains.
Snow chains should be taken off when driv-
ing on roads free of snow as they other-
wise impair the handling of the car, dam-
age the tyre and are quickly destroyed.2)Please observe any varying legal requirements
in respect of the approved vehicle speed when
driving with snow chains.

To achieve the best possible handling
and grip, fit winter tyres to all four wheels
(same manufacturer, tyre size, tread pat-
tern).

Winter tyres largely lose their good grip
properties in winter if the tyre tread has
worn down to a depth of 4 mm. The follow-
ing speed restrictions apply to winter tyres.

You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed
category provided that you also do not drive
at a speed in excess of the maximum speed
for these tyres even if your car is able to be
driven at a higher actual maximum speed.
The tyres may be damaged if you drive at
a speed beyond the maximum speed rat-
ing of the tyres.

All-weather tyres may be used in winter
in place of winter tyres.

In the event of a puncture, refer to the
information for using the spare wheel on
page 156.
Summer tyres should also be fitted again in good time as an environ-
mental protection measure as the roll-
ing noises are normally less, tyre wearis reduced and fuel consumption is im-proved.
Further information is available from Škoda
Dealers.